Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this week’s Editor’s Note:
- Tofino: February trade fair for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre.
- Cumberland: Second public information meeting for a 180+ unit mixed-use project.
- Courtenay: Over $12 million 3-year budget for community and neighborhood parks.
A trade fair for Tofino’s Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is scheduled for February 6.
A trade fair is scheduled for February 6 to engage interested trades and contractors in the upcoming Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre (CSBC) project. This landmark 3-storey, 10,464 sq. ft. facility will serve as a key gathering place for coastal communities, including Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht First Nation, Ucluelet First Nation, and Toquaht Nation. Naikoon Contracting will join the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) team at the trade fair to connect with local contractors and tradespeople. The event will highlight opportunities in various construction aspects, with a focus on: Mass timber construction; Sustainable building practices; Local material procurement; Indigenous engagement and participation; Workforce development and training. Construction documentation is nearly complete, with the project expected to begin in Spring 2025. Trade Fair Details – Date: Thursday, February 6th, Time: 10:00–11:30 am, Location: CBT Office, 316 Main Street, Tofino. In 2023, the project was estimated at $15 million.
Cumberland: Second public information meeting for a 180+ unit mixed-use project.
A revised rezoning application for a mixed-use project remains under review and a second public information meeting, requested by the council, is tentatively scheduled for February 3, from 4–7 p.m., at the Masonic Hall. An environmental study and riparian area assessment were conducted. These studies identified a protection area around a creek and a wetland, prompting a revised plan that dedicates 38% of the site as parkland. The updated proposal, submitted on July 5, 2024, significantly reduces the development footprint, including 4 townhouses and approx. 180 units in two four-storey apartment buildings with ground-level commercial units and surface parking. The initial development concept plan proposed 38 townhouses, two 4-storey rental apartment buildings, and one 3-storey building with commercial space on the ground level and apartment units above. The Advisory Planning Commission reviewed the revised plans during council meetings in August and September 2024.
Courtenay: Over $12 million 3-year budget for community and neighborhood parks.
The city is considering a TimberFrame pavilion as part of the Woodcote Park Playground Upgrade design process, and have agreed in principle to contribute up to $30,000 towards the project through Partners in Parks funding. A playground replacement at the park is expected this year at an estimated cost of $577,500. The project will be funded through the Province of BC Growing Communities Fund (GCF) and is allocated in the capital budget. The pavilion is the suggestion of the Comox Valley Masters Soccer Club, who would be partners in the project, and is subject to agreement on a proposed location. Last September council approved new Park Playground Design Standards, which will now guide the City’s approach to playground renewal and development. The plan includes several expected capital projects. In 2024 – 1 Community Park Replacement (Woodcote Park $577,500) and 1 new Neighborhood Park (Brookfield $225,000); in 2025 – 2 Community Parks ($480,000-$3,540,000) and 1 Neighborhood Park ($75,000-$385,000); and in 2026-2028 – 3 Community Parks ($720,000-$5,310,000) and 7 Neighborhood Parks ($525,000 – $2,695,000). Starting in 2027, the playground capital renewal budgets are expected to increase to $320,000 every two years with additional funds on alternating years to support playground design.
Building Links Construction Reports and Statistics: The weekly #1 construction projects resource for 30 years. New and updated projects, permits, tenders, and industry connections for Vancouver Island – Central North, West Coast and Powell River. Helping you build connections so you can build communities! Where are you getting your information from? Support local trades – Subscribe Now!
